When to plant Dill in Merced County, CA
Merced County's spring Dill window runs February 3 through February 24. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. A second sowing from October 3 to October 17 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Dill in Merced County, CA
June in Merced County, California — your action list
Your Merced County, California garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
-
Start harvesting dill
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Dill is a feathery annual herb with aromatic leaves and seeds. Its fine foliage and umbrella-shaped flower heads attract beneficial insects to the garden.
Merced County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 24 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 269 feet, Merced County receives approximately 18.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Dill during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Dill successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Merced County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Dill Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Merced County
How your county's soil matches Dill's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.7) is more alkaline than Dill prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Merced County is excellent for Dill — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Dill.
How to Plant Dill
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Dill
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 03.
Dill Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Dill
Dill needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Dill Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.1" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.2" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 0.7" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Merced County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Dill Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Dill Planting Timeline — Merced County, CA
Dill Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 27 | Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Direct Sow | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 24 |
| Harvest | March 31 | Mar 31 – Jun 2 |
| Fall Sowing | October 3 | Oct 3 – Oct 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
277 days in Merced County
Growing Tips for Dill in Merced County
Direct sow Dill outdoors after February 24 in Merced County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 278.0-day season in Merced County allows multiple plantings of Dill. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Dill in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring as dill has a taproot and dislikes transplanting. Succession sow for continuous leaf harvest. Allow some plants to flower for seeds and to attract beneficial insects.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Dill in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Dill in Merced County, CA?
Merced County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 24. Plan your Dill planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Merced County, CA?
Merced County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 24 and first fall frost is November 28.
When should I plant Dill in Merced County, CA?
In Merced County, CA, plant Dill after the last frost (around February 24) and before the first frost (around November 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Merced County, CA for Dill?
Merced County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Dill grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Dill grow in Merced County's climate?
Yes — Dill grows well in Merced County's temperate climate. Merced County averages a 278-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 24 and first frost around November 28.
Your Merced County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Merced County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.